Technology Description: ARS scientists Alabama have developed a method to distinguish U.S. catfish fillets from non-catfish species.This method uses a hybridoma cell line to produce monoclonal antibodies that are specific to catfish.By using this antibody as a diagnostic assay, regulatory officials can tell “fake” fish – being passed off as catfish – from catfish.About one third of all fish labeled as catfish are not really catfish.These mislabeled fish are imports, which are inferior fish, sold at cheaper prices – undercutting U.S. catfish farmers.This technology could help prevent mislabeling of catfish – providing value to the U.S. catfish industry by possibly increasing profits.

This method can be used to develop a rapid, cost effective test kit for properly identifying catfish.

Potential Commercial Uses: State and Federal seafood regulators could use this to determine correct labeling of catfish and non-catfish from supermarkets and seafood suppliers.

Reference: Please refer to S.N. 11/037,486 (Docket #0141.04), which was filed on January 14, 2005.Foreign rights are not available.